I am looking into buying a 190E 2.6 (like I have always liked) and am asking for anyone's opinion on the following points regarding late model 190E 2.6's:

- How is the performance of the 190E/2.6 in comparison to a 300E/3.0 keeping in mind the weight difference?

- Are there any differences between the 190E/2.6 and Sportline model other than interior cosmetics and suspension?

- I am used to cruising L.A. freeways at 75 in my 300E very comfortably; being that the 190 has a lower top speed does that mean the RPM's will be higher (in the 190) and therefore cause more noise in the cabin?

Any other personal experience that you might have about comparing the 190E/2.6 vs. 300E/3.0 (other than obvious cargo and passenger space differences) would be greatly appreciated.

2.6 will have the same motor as an old 300E; the straight 6...not much in the performance dept. but a great cruiser....Sportline would be the model to get if possible...a little lower, wider wheels, better seats, tighter turning radius. ..great little car...I had a 1992 2.6 and loved it...solid...just like its bigger brother in the 300E....

I have a 190E/2.3, so I can't speak specifically about the 2.6 engine, but I can tell you that when I bought my car, I was looking at a 300E and the 190E. Same milage, same price, the 300 was 4 years older. I actually preferred the 190 to the 300 because it felt a little more nimble. (it ought to, it is a considerably smaller car) I'm usually driving solo, so space isn't an issue. But on occasion, I can comfortably fit the whole family (wife + 2 kids) for an around-town jaunt. When we travel any distance, we take the Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon.

Factory Sportline has a slightly smaller steering wheel, closer ratio steering, lowered sport suspension, wider lower-profile tires and recaro seats front and back -- handling is excellent, on a par with my C43 AMG (but without the power coming out of curves).

190E backseat is smaller than the 300E and the steering coilumn doesn't adjust (my only gripe). Sportline seats are not for widebodies -- my 95 LB, 5'1" daughter fits perfectly (it's her car).

80MPH on highway is fine but engine revs high and can be a bit noisy -- best for zipping around in town.

If possible, look for a '93 Limited Edition 2.6 -- rare, as only 700 were made, but all 190E options + factory Sportline + special black paint and leather (black with red panels and piping) + factory debadged.

if you don't really need the room and are looking for a car to run about town in, the 190E is ample. the rear seat, however is much more cramped, so if you're going to be carrying a full load of people, you'll probably want to consider the 300E.

I think that I will be persuing the 93 Sportline. How much of a premium ($$$) is put on this rare option?

I rarely carry any backseat passengers so the size difference between the 190 and 300 are not an issue. I am more concerned about the relative power under the hood of the 190 (2.6) in relation to the 300.

You will not get the smaller steering wheel and close ratio steering, however, nor will you get the front and rear Recaro seats (tho you could try to find a 2.3-16V in a junkyard if that really mattered to you).

I have had a 190E 2.6 (1987 model) for the past nine years and thought it was great.

My particular beast was never very quick off the line but once on the highway it was fine.

I regularly run it at about 120 - 130 kph (75 - 80 mph) and it just purred over with no fuss. There is some engine noise but it was, in my opinion, more of a reassuring hum that all was well rather than an irritating intrusion.

I drove the car from Vancouver to California with no drama and no concern that I was pushing the car to its limits. When needing to accelerate to overtake, it always had plenty to spare from 120 kph.

I now have a 2000 m.y. W210 E430 so performance in the 190E seems a little deficient but it is still a good car to drive around.